A record $12 billion expected to be spent on Cyber Monday; Avoid scams

Consumers are spending big this holiday season, especially online. Adobe Analysts predict spending on Cyber-Monday will climb 5.4% from last year. They also estimate a record $12 billion will be spent.

Sometimes those shiny deals, can make consumers blind to red flags.

"Some people are just doing a Google or an internet search for certain item that they want... and the price will be drastically lower than the average retail price," George Nassif, Lehigh Valley Attorney, said. "But if you do your due diligence... you'll see that it either doesn't exist, or it's like a P.O. box."

It's a common practice that happens during the holidays. Scammers try to take advantage of shoppers by making fake websites and boasting massive sales that don't exist.

"You'll just see that there's a lot of signs here that there's no one, there's no one really behind that website, there is no tech support," Nassif, said. "It's just a scam."

Scammers aren't just looking to make a profit off your one-time purchase. Once they're given your credit card information, it could lead to even greater purchasing power for the scammer.

"They now have your all your credit card information and your shipping address, which is typically your billing address."

Nassif says in order to avoid falling victim to scams, you should do your research. Part of that research includes checking to see where the website was created.

"Oftentimes, you'll see that these websites were created in, you know, maybe Czechoslovakia or another foreign country, South Korea, Russia."

He says you should also search the company online to see if there are any reviews. And if you're not sure whether its a real site or not -

"Buy from companies that you know, companies that have a reputation, companies that will stand behind their warranty process."

Nassif says once you've purchased your item, there's not much that can be done after the fact. Your options are to file a police report and dispute the charge with your bank.